2nd Interview

froosh69

Got called back for a second interview for a job I really, really want.

The first interview involved the manager asking me why I wanted the job, my relevant experience and my future career plans. Having done my research I was very confident on getting the job.

On leaving, she said-"We've had literally hundreds of applicants, we might call you in for a second interview."

I was a bit put off by this and didnt get my hopes up, and was delighted when they wanted to speak to me again.

However, although I know I'm well suited to the job, and would really like it, I'm just wondering what the ettiquete is.

Can I ask how many people got to the second stage? Can I ask what my chances are?...Im afraid of geting my hopes up and Im in the middle of exams so would like to put it out of my mind if there is very little chance of geting the position.

Would it be deemed unproffessional? Particularly interested in the opinions of employers.

MagicMarker

froosh69 wrote: »

Can I ask how many people got to the second stage? Can I ask what my chances are?

Absolutely not.

The only questions you ask should be related to the job itself.

The Big Red Button

The way I'd see it is, some interviewers may see it as inappropriate and there's a chance that it could damage your chances of getting the position. In any case, it's certainly not going to improve your chances in any way. So why risk it?

Good luck with the interview

AARRRGH

You should try to come across as professional, so don't ask any emotion based questions, e.g., "Do I stand a chance of getting the job?!"

The fact that you have a second interview is a very good sign.

another world

froosh69 wrote: »

Got called back for a second interview for a job I really, really want.

The first interview involved the manager asking me why I wanted the job, my relevant experience and my future career plans. Having done my research I was very confident on getting the job.

On leaving, she said-"We've had literally hundreds of applicants, we might call you in for a second interview."

I was a bit put off by this and didnt get my hopes up, and was delighted when they wanted to speak to me again.

However, although I know I'm well suited to the job, and would really like it, I'm just wondering what the ettiquete is.

Can I ask how many people got to the second stage? Can I ask what my chances are?...Im afraid of geting my hopes up and Im in the middle of exams so would like to put it out of my mind if there is very little chance of geting the position.

Would it be deemed unproffessional? Particularly interested in the opinions of employers.

I´m in the exact same situation as yourself! Second interview this week and exams coming up. It´s very hard to concentrate on the exams because of it. Anyway, my tactics are going to be to treat it the same as the first one in terms of etiquette and being professional. My focus beforehand is to go over what they talked about in the first one and see where they may have had problems or doubts and get better answers for these. Best of luck

MidlandsM

AARRRGH wrote: »

You should try to come across as professional, so don't ask any emotion based questions, e.g., "Do I stand a chance of getting the job?!"

The fact that you have a second interview is a very good sign.

+1

Avoid the emotive/desperate sounding questions.
At this second interview, you should seal the deal - politely ask for the job, saying you want it and will thrive at it. Good luck.

mrgardener

First off, very well done on getting to the 2nd interview.
As stated, there were hundreds that applied and you are one of a select few through to the 2nd interview. You are there on merit. As a previous poster said, focus on the job at hand.
You obviously know how to handle yourself in an interview, so just be yourself.
Best of luck!

MagicMarker

MidlandsM wrote: »

politely ask for the job, saying you want it and will thrive at it

I would advise against this tbh.

MidlandsM

MagicMarker wrote: »

I would advise against this tbh.

Thanks for that advice, no matter how erronious it is.

miec

Hi Op

I would concur with the others, although I can understand the temptation, the thing is whether you are competing against one other person or a hundred people, only one person is going to get the job. I had a second interview today and what I would suggest is really research the company thoroughly, try to ascertain what they are looking for and reassure them that their best choice is you. Recruiters are terrified of getting it wrong as they could be lumped with someone who is more of a hindrance than a help, it is your job to convince them that you are the right person to pick. Best of luck.

froosh69

Thanks for all the replies.

I've never done a second interview before...in fact, in all other interviews I have done, I was offered the job on the spot...In general, could someone please give me an outline of how a second interview differs from the first please?

Great advice, and much appreciated!

Berty

I lost my job on the 19th March and was only able to get two interviews. I was offered both jobs and I definately asked the interviewer in the 1st Interview

"How do you think I came across in the interview?"
"How do you think I fit into the role?"

Asking the above questions meant I didn't have to ask if I was going to be called back because he would answer it on the basis on the above questions.

It's all about how you ask it. If you seem cocky then it won't work and it depends on what kind of job.

If it was for a job selling newspaper on the Evening Echo stand then the questions wouldn't fit well.

Don't ask a question you wouldn't like to be asked yourself if you were in this position.

AARRRGH

froosh69 wrote: »

could someone please give me an outline of how a second interview differs from the first please?

Generally there will be a senior manager there (the decision maker) who will ask you some of the same questions from the first interview. In my experience second interviews tend to be slightly less formal, and there are more general questions such as "tell me about yourself", etc.

They will probably discuss salary as well.

But basically you would prepare for it the same as you would any other interview.

MidlandsM

did you get the gig froosh?